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OLA

FALL IN LOVE WITH ALENTEJO

The Alentejo is a destination that stands out for the experiences it offers, many of them true wonders of Portugal.

Our Alentejo

WHAT SO SEE AND VISIT

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There are more stars in the sky than grains of sand on Earth​

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Stargazing is a fascinating activity that attracts astronomy enthusiasts and nature lovers from around the world.

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The Alentejo region, with its clear night skies and lack of light pollution, offers one of the best places for this activity: the Dark Sky® Reserve.

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This area not only provides spectacular views of the cosmos but also serves as an example of how sustainable tourism can be developed in harmony with environmental conservation.

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The Dark Sky® Reserve encompasses various accommodation units, dining options, regional producers, and tourism businesses. All these participants are involved in offering services related to stargazing. The main goal of this project is to provide visitors with a complete astrotourism experience, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the night sky while exploring local culture and products.

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Lake Alqueva Observatory (OLA)
Located near the medieval village of Monsaraz, in the heart of the Dark Sky® Reserve, OLA is an astronomical observatory dedicated to astrotourism. It offers visitors the opportunity to use advanced telescopes and participate in guided observation sessions led by experienced astronomers. Additionally, it promotes educational and cultural activities related to astronomy, making it a key destination for all sky enthusiasts.

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Dark Sky Alqueva
Located in the village of Cumeada, Dark Sky Alqueva offers a variety of activities and experiences for visitors, including stargazing sessions, night photography workshops, and special astronomical events.

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Great Lake Alqueva
The Great Lake Alqueva is the world's first destination to hold the "Starlight Tourism Destination Certification." This international recognition highlights the quality of the region's night sky and the excellence of the infrastructure and services provided for stargazing.

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Gastronomy
Gastronomy

  • Monte d'açorda - Campinho

  • Monte de Palaios - Campinho

  • Sem-fim - Telheiro

  • Foral - Telheiro

  • Amigos de Monsaraz - Monsaraz

  • Sahida - Monsaraz

  • Taberna dos Templários - Monsaraz

  • País das Uvas - Vila de Frades

  • Cavalariça - Évora

  • Tasquinha do Oliveira - Évora

  • Herdade do Esporão - Reguengos de Monsaraz

  • Cá t'espero - Reguengos de Monsaraz

  • Vila Velha - Mourão

monsaraz castle
Castles and Hermitages

  • Alandroal

  • Arraiolos

  • Beja

  • Elvas

  • Estremoz

  • Evoramonte

  • Juromenha

  • Monsaraz

  • Montemor-o-novo

  • Moura

  • Mourão

  • Portel

  • Serpa

  • Terena

  • Vila Viçosa

megalithism
Megalithism

  • A rocha dos namorados 

  • Gruta do Escoural  

  • Cromeleque dos Almendres 

  • Antas do Olival da Pega

  • Menir do Outeiro 

  • Menir da Bulhoa

  • Cromeleque do Xerez 

Girassol
Caderno

Customizable experiences

We work with various partners and can book the activities or experiences you desire for you.

 

We can also personalize them and make them unique for you and your family.

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Outdoor Activities

  • Boat Tours

  • Stargazing

  • Karting 

  • Skydiving

  • Hot Ballon Tours

  • Horseback Riding

  • ​Mountain Biking

  • Hiking

  • Nautical sports

  • Buggy ride

  • Bird Watching

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Handcraft

  • Arraiolos Rugs

  • São Pedro do Corval Pottery

  • Cork Factories

  • Reguengos Blankets

  • Cowbells Art

  • Alentejo Furniture

  • Alentejo Capes

A process that is an art in itself​

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The production of gin in Alentejo begins with the careful selection of botanicals, many of which are locally grown.

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Ingredients such as juniper, coriander, angelica, cardamom, and citrus peels are combined with herbs and plants typical of the region, such as rosemary, lemon verbena, and rockrose. These botanicals give Alentejo gin a distinctive aromatic profile, reflecting the native flora and Mediterranean climate.

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Produced in traditional copper pot stills, which allow for precise temperature control and a purer extraction of the essential oils from the botanicals, Alentejo gin does not shy away from innovation in its production.

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New botanicals are mixed with infusion techniques, aiming to create gins that capture the essence of the region in surprising ways.

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Visiting a gin distillery in Alentejo is definitely worthwhile.

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Two of the most recognized gin producers are:

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Sahrish Gin - SLOWLY DISTILLED IN ALENTEJO, produced in Reguengos de Monsaraz. The owner has "gone from a mere gin enthusiast to a true 'alchemy of flavors'". It is possible to take a guided tour and participate in workshops at the distillery, which are highly recommended.

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Alqueva Lake Gin - Produced in São Pedro do Corval, near the largest artificial lake in Western Europe, and presented and crafted exclusively by Master Distiller Marcelo Pinto.

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